Chaitra Navratri 2026 commenced on March 19th, and from that very day, the rituals for worshipping the nine forms of the Goddess—observed sequentially day by day—have also begun. However, the question now arises: on which specific dates do the Ashtami and Navami tithis (lunar dates) fall during Chaitra Navratri? Indeed, a degree of confusion persists among people regarding this matter. In fact, alongside the worship of the Goddess, the observance of a fast (Vrat) is also a prescribed custom during these nine days. Consequently, there is considerable curiosity among devotees regarding when the fast will be broken (Paran). Interestingly, the specific alignment of these dates also signifies an auspicious cosmic conjunction.
According to the Puranas, the spiritual merit derived from worshipping the Goddess on the Ashtami and Navami tithis during Navratri is manifold. These two days are dedicated to Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls), wherein an offering (Bhog) consisting of chickpeas, puris, and halwa is presented to the girls. Worshipping Goddess Durga is believed to liberate devotees from the perils and fears that loom over them. Let us now determine—based on the precise astrological calculations of the dates—exactly which days will be observed as Ashtami and Navami.
When Do Ashtami and Navami Fall During Chaitra Navratri?
During Navratri, Durgashtami is also referred to as *Mahashtami*. On this day, nine *Kalashas* (sacred pots) are established, symbolizing the nine divine powers of the Mother Goddess. It is also on this very day that the nine distinct forms of the Goddess are worshipped.
Ashtami tithi
The Ashtami tithi will commence on March 25th at 1:50 PM. However, in accordance with the Udaya Tithi (the lunar date prevailing at sunrise), Ashtami will be observed on March 26th; it will remain in effect until 11:49 AM on that day (March 26th). Consequently, the morning hours are considered the most auspicious time for performing Kanya Pujan.
The special significance of Maha Ashtami this year lies in the fact that the traditional Sandhi Puja also falls on this very day. For this ritual, the Sandhi-kal Puja is performed during the specific timeframe comprising the final 24 minutes of the Ashtami Tithi and the first 24 minutes of the Navami Tithi. This period is considered to be an auspicious *muhurat* (propitious time) for the worship. Indeed, throughout the entire duration of Durga Puja, the Sandhi-kal is regarded as the most auspicious time of all.
Navami Tithi
On the ninth day of Navaratri, the worship of Navami is performed. The rituals for this day will commence on March 26 at 11:48 AM and conclude on March 27, 2026, at 10:06 AM. The auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for the worship will begin on March 27 at 6:18 AM and last until 10:56 AM.
On the day of Navami, Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped. On the final day of Navaratri, homage is paid to the ninth manifestation of the Divine Mother—Goddess Siddhidatri. It is believed that performing worship on this day enhances an individual’s intellect, wisdom, and knowledge. Devotees engaged in spiritual practice attain spiritual power and inner peace.
Aarti of Maa Mahagauri
॥ आरती देवी महागौरी जी की ॥
जय महागौरी जगत की माया।जय उमा भवानी जय महामाया॥
हरिद्वार कनखल के पासा।महागौरी तेरा वहा निवास॥
चन्द्रकली और ममता अम्बे।जय शक्ति जय जय माँ जगदम्बे॥
भीमा देवी विमला माता।कौशिक देवी जग विख्यता॥
हिमाचल के घर गौरी रूप तेरा।महाकाली दुर्गा है स्वरूप तेरा॥
सती (सत) हवन कुंड में था जलाया।उसी धुएं ने रूप काली बनाया॥
बना धर्म सिंह जो सवारी में आया।तो शंकर ने त्रिशूल अपना दिखाया॥
तभी माँ ने महागौरी नाम पाया।शरण आनेवाले का संकट मिटाया॥
शनिवार को तेरी पूजा जो करता।माँ बिगड़ा हुआ काम उसका सुधरता॥
भक्त बोलो तो सोच तुम क्या रहे हो।महागौरी माँ तेरी हरदम ही जय हो॥
Aarti of Devi Siddhidatri
॥ आरती देवी सिद्धिदात्री जी की ॥
जय सिद्धिदात्री माँ तू सिद्धि की दाता।तू भक्तों की रक्षक तू दासों की माता॥
तेरा नाम लेते ही मिलती है सिद्धि।तेरे नाम से मन की होती है शुद्धि॥
कठिन काम सिद्ध करती हो तुम।जभी हाथ सेवक के सिर धरती हो तुम॥
तेरी पूजा में तो ना कोई विधि है।तू जगदम्बे दाती तू सर्वसिद्धि है॥
रविवार को तेरा सुमिरन करे जो।तेरी मूर्ति को ही मन में धरे जो॥
तू सब काज उसके करती है पूरे।कभी काम उसके रहे ना अधूरे॥
तुम्हारी दया और तुम्हारी यह माया।रखे जिसके सिर पर मैया अपनी छाया॥
सर्वसिद्धि दाती वह है भाग्यशाली।जो है तेरे दर का ही अम्बे सवाली॥
हिमाचल है पर्वत जहाँ वास तेरा।महा नन्दा मन्दिर में है वास तेरा॥
मुझे आसरा है तुम्हारा ही माता।भक्ति है सवाली तू जिसकी दाता॥
चैत्र नवरात्रि दुर्गा पूजा 2026 बुक करने के लिए क्लिक करें।
